Raptors assistant coach Alvin Williams fondly recalls the time he spent with Chauncey Billups, the epitome of clutch, when the two were teammates during Toronto's regrettable 16-win season in 1997.

"We used to sub in and out for each other,'' Williams said. "Chauncey's my man."

POPS IS TOPS

No one knows when Reggie Evans (foot) will be back, but everyone knows that the Raptors can use some rebounding help. Enter Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who resurfaced as a Raptor prior to last night's tip in Denver. The Raptors, who could use any healthy body capable of rebounding the basketball, put in a waiver claim and was awarded the native of London, England after being released by the Houston Rockets last Friday.

Mensah-Bonsu was a fan favourite in Toronto during his 19-game run, leading the team in rebounding in three games.

Injuries have hit the Raptors, the latest being to Hedo Turkoglu, who was scratched last night because of a sore left hip. Antoine Wright, who missed Sunday's game in Phoenix with a sore ankle, was pencilled in to start at small forward.